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Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
News

Transnational drug network interdicted in joint Singapore-United Kingdom operation

27 April 2026

The Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore (CNB), the United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations (HOIO), Border Force and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WM ROCU) have successfully interdicted a transnational drug network in a cross-border operation. Close cooperation and timely exchange of intelligence among the agencies enabled the operation.

2.         On 3 January 2026, a 20-foot inbound container carrying 509kg of cannabis was detected at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station. CNB’s investigation revealed that the drugs were transiting through Singapore and bound for the United Kingdom (UK).1 Following the detection, CNB launched a cross-border operation with the HOIO, which coordinated with UK Border Force and WM ROCU to dismantle a transnational drug network and expose its modus operandi, preventing further distribution of a massive amount of drugs in the UK.

3.         Through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions, the operation disrupted downstream drug trafficking activities, with the UK authorities seizing a further 412kg of cannabis in a separate container bound for the UK on 25 February 2026. The HOIO, UK Border Force and WM ROCU subsequently mounted an operation in the UK, which resulted in the seizure of additional quantities of cannabis and the arrest of seven persons, of whom one has been charged in the UK for a drug-related offence. The UK authorities are pursuing further leads to identify additional individuals involved.

4.         Commenting on the operation, Assistant Commissioner Aaron Tang, Deputy Director of CNB for Operations, said:

“Through close international cooperation and intelligence sharing, we and our UK law enforcement counterparts have dealt a significant blow to transnational drug trafficking networks that threaten the safety and security of our communities. Let this serve as a clear warning to all drug traffickers - Singapore's toughness against drugs remains absolute. We will pursue relentlessly, whether you operate within our borders or beyond them. Our partnerships with international law enforcement agencies ensure that there is no safe haven for those who peddle these deadly substances. We will continue to work closely with our UK allies to dismantle these criminal networks and protect our citizens from the scourge of illegal drugs. Those who choose to traffic drugs will face the full force of the law."

Home Office International Operations (HOIO) Asia Pacific Regional Manager, Bryan McNeill, said:

“The United Kingdom is grateful to our partners in Singapore for helping disrupt drug trafficking networks targeting the UK. These criminals operate across borders, so our response must also be transnational. Through real-time intelligence sharing, stronger border coordination, and shared goals, this collaboration closed gaps long exploited by organised crime.”

Photo 1 (HOIO, UK Border Force and WM ROCU): Towering bundles containing a total of about 412kg of cannabis that were intercepted before being smuggled to the UK. The drugs were seized during a joint operation between Singapore and UK authorities.
Photo 1 (HOIO, UK Border Force and WM ROCU): Towering bundles containing a total of about 412kg of cannabis that were intercepted before being smuggled to the UK. The drugs were seized during a joint operation between Singapore and UK authorities.

5.         The successful outcome highlights the effectiveness of robust partnerships between CNB, HOIO, UK Border Force and WM ROCU and the collective dedication to combating the escalating threat of organised and international drug trafficking. The agencies will continue to strengthen this collaboration, enhancing operational cooperation and intelligence sharing to respond to the evolving transnational drug networks and operations.


CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
27 April 2026


[1] ICA-CNB Joint News Release : More than 500kg of cannabis detected at Pasir Panjang scanning station (opens in new tab)